Since the DCO was granted in 2024, RSP is aware that many members of the local community have been keen to see signs of construction work on the airfield as we get ready for the airport to reopen.
Opening an airport – even one like Manston which already has in place a full-length runway, taxiways and airport buildings – takes a huge amount of preparation and planning first and so it will be many months before we are ready to welcome construction teams on site.
That doesn’t mean nothing is happening, though. Our professional teams are working hard. It’s just work that can’t be seen if you drive down Hengist Way.
We thought it might be helpful to set out an indicative timetable for preparations to reopen Manston as an airfreight hub, which we expect to be towards the end of 2028 – just under four years from now. Please note, with any major infrastructure project, it’s always possible that things may go a little faster, or slower, than we anticipate and so this timetable is deliberately broad.
Years 1 and 2 – planning
Throughout 2025 and into 2026, our team are working on surveys, and detailed design work to finalise the airport master plan – a process which we expect to conclude in early 2026, around the time that the CAA airspace change public consultation (the fourth stage of seven in the CAP 1616 process) gets underway.
Although we have always been in regular contact with the airfreight market throughout the planning and DCO process, business development discussions with airlines and freight forwarders will step up a gear in 2026, once we have finalised the detailed plans.
These discussions will continue up to and beyond the airport’s reopening as we work to secure the commitment of the cargo sector to use Manston to help the UK trade across the globe, importing vital and time-sensitive goods, including fresh fruit, high value imports/exports and medical supplies.
Years 3 and 4 – delivery
Early in 2027, we anticipate construction work will begin to deliver the airport masterplan and, subject to the consultation process and successful completion of the remaining fourCAP1616 stages, we anticipate the granting of the aerodrome certification by the CAA in 2027 too, after which recruitment for key leadership roles will commence and we will reveal the new Manston Airport brand to the airfreight market and local community.
In early 2028, we expect construction works to be complete and recruitment for operational roles to begin to allow us to assemble the team and begin detailed preparations for reopening later on in 2028.
A home for community events
Until construction begins in earnest, we intend to continue welcoming events and community groups onto the airfield, to make sure that Manson remains a important part of the Thanet community. We have always been and remain incredibly grateful for the support we have from local people for the project, and we share your eagerness at the airport to reopen. Until that day arrives, we want to be able to provide local communities with plenty of opportunities to experience amazing, interesting and entertaining events.
Please bear with us through this planning phase – we want to build an airport that will be successful for the long term, providing employment and opportunity for local people and businesses. To achieve this, it’s vitally important that we get the planning and preparation right first – but rest assured, it will all be well worth it in the end.